How to File Your First Income Tax Return in Quebec – A Step-by-Step Guide
Filing taxes for the first time in Quebec? Or just looking to make sure you’re not missing out on key tax credits? This guide covers the most valuable personal tax credits available to Quebec residents and provides a step-by-step overview of how to file your first tax return effectively.
Understanding Personal Tax Credits in Quebec
Quebec and federal governments offer a wide range of credits to reduce your tax burden. Here’s a breakdown of the most common and beneficial ones:
- Solidarity Tax Credit (Crédit de solidarité)
This is a refundable credit designed to help low- and middle-income Quebecers offset the cost of living.
- Who qualifies? Quebec residents aged 18+ who meet certain income and residency requirements.
- What it covers: A portion of your housing costs, sales tax (TVQ), and even remote living expenses.
- How to claim: File your tax return and ensure your direct deposit information is up to date with Revenu Québec.
- Tuition and Education Tax Credit
This credit helps students or their supporting family members reduce taxes based on eligible tuition fees.
- Federal & Provincial: Available both on the federal and Quebec returns.
- Transferable: Unused credits can be transferred to a parent, grandparent, or spouse.
- Tip: Keep receipts from post-secondary institutions.
- Medical Expense Tax Credit
If you’ve incurred high out-of-pocket medical costs, you may be eligible for this non-refundable credit.
- Eligible expenses include: Prescription medications, dental treatments, vision care, and certain therapies.
- Threshold: Total medical expenses must exceed 3% of your net income or a minimum fixed amount.
- Both federal and Quebec returns allow claims.
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB)
Previously known as the Working Income Tax Benefit, the CWB helps low-income workers by supplementing their earnings.
- Federal credit but applies to Quebec residents.
- Enhanced amount available for individuals with disabilities or families with dependents.
- Home Buyers’ Amount
New homeowners in Quebec may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $750.
- Eligibility: First-time home buyers or those eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.
- Claimable in the year of purchase.
- Age and Pension Income Amounts
Seniors over 65 may be eligible for both federal and Quebec-specific age amounts and pension income credits.
- Must report pension income.
- Credits vary based on income level.
Filing Your First Income Tax Return in Quebec: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or new Quebec resident, here’s how to file your tax return confidently:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
- T4 (employment income)
- Relevé 1 (Quebec equivalent of T4)
- T2202 (tuition)
- Rent receipts or RL-31 slips (for solidarity credit)
- Medical expense receipts
- RRSP contribution slips
Step 2: Choose Your Filing Method
- NETFILE (online): Use certified software like TurboTax, UFile, or SimpleTax.
- Paper filing: Still accepted, though slower.
- Accountants or tax clinics: Ideal if your return is complex.
Step 3: File Both Federal and Provincial Returns
- Federal (Canada Revenue Agency – CRA)
- Provincial (Revenu Québec)
Each return is separate but submitted at the same time.
Step 4: Claim Eligible Credits
Make sure to include all tax credits you qualify for. Most tax software will prompt you, but verify yourself — especially for the Solidarity Credit and medical expenses.
Step 5: Set Up Direct Deposit
For quicker refunds and benefit payments, ensure your bank information is updated with both CRA and Revenu Québec.
Step 6: Watch for Your Notice of Assessment
This document confirms your return was processed and will outline any changes or credits issued.
Final Tips
- File even if you have no income — to trigger benefits like the GST/HST credit and Solidarity Credit.
- Update your address and marital status if applicable.
- Track deadlines: Generally, the tax deadline is April 30, or June 15 if you’re self-employed (payment still due April 30).
Ready to Maximize Your Tax Return?
Whether you’re a first-time filer or just looking to optimize your return, understanding the tax credits available in Quebec can put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket. For more guidance, or help filing your return, contact Info C Plus — your trusted tax experts in Quebec!
